Howard proposes to his girl Millie, who works at the bakery. They take a train with Andy and Helen to get married in Wheeling, WV. Along the way they discover problems they had not considered.

Arlene Golonka is a complete dream. What a girl like this would see in Howard Sprague is a complete mystery. This aside, this episode is a good Howard episode. The Sprague character is a replacement for the abrasive Warren who was himself a replacement for Barney. Howard is no Barney, but he seems to have fit into Mayberry quite well. It's kind of disappointing the rushed engagement of Howard doesn't make Andy and Helen take the opportunity to examine their own relationship. It might have made a very good scene and set up the eventual season conclusion (though they actually get married in the first episode of "Mayberry RFD").

Howard Gets (Almost) Married!

This is one of my favorite episodes. Mostly because we get to see Andy wearing something other than the Sheriff's uniform! Howard proposes to his girlfriend of 3 months, Millie, and they plan a quick wedding in West Virginia. They invite Andy and Helen along to be their best man and maid of honor. The ensuing train trip is hilarious, with Howard in rare form as the penny pinching, neurotic guy he truly is--and Millie exposing her "wilder" side. Andy and Helen are perfect foils for these two, and the chemisty is wonderful between the four of them. Don't miss the scenes on the train--particularly in the dining car, as Howard peruses the menu, and nearly faints at the prices. Also Millie asking Howard to shave his mustache off--priceless! I particuarly enjoy watching the character of Andy in a non-mayberry setting. It helps flesh out the character and truly creates some nice moments of insight about him.

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